When I was at Decfest 2012 I bought a board (ver 10 2012) to build this amp.I always wanted to build a kit and this looks like a great place to start.This is all new to me so I hope to learn a lot with some help from you guys.I will be ordering the parts soon. Other then what is listed on the parts list are there any other items I need to get?I will also be ordering a soldering iron from parts express. I have a VOM, solder. Do I need a de solderer sucker or the de soldering braid? The instuctions are not very clear as to how to go about building this so if you can list some pointers on how to proceed that would be great.

I have seen some really nice builds shown here and I hope mine comes out just as nice.

Hi John,A small piece of damp sponge to wipe the s.gun tip between solderskeeps it optimum. You can get these `all in one` in a station and means you dont have to perch the gun somewhere when not using.Solder guns are usually for removing old solder efficiently, again handyjust in case. Obviously a pair of long nose pliers and snips. Good luckand have fun in overcoming those ` I wish I had another hand ` moments.

Sounds like you got the new board with the corrected wiring (for the Edcor's), as well as the 100 Ohm virtual CT for the heaters??? These will help a lot. I'm still working on mine. I tested the 100 Ohm CT revision, and it did remove most of the AC hum from the heaters.

Be sure you have an alligator clip on you VOM. Attach it to the grounded side of any component, and use the red lead to test voltages. Very high voltages...you don't want both hands near the board when powered on!

If it's not too late, I got the IEC with the fuse holder built in. Less wiring! I spent hours trying to figure out why my voltage (D) was so high. I finally swapped the 6922 tube with a 6N1P, and the voltage dropped to within specs. Thought I had a bad solder joint or component. What a relief. Be sure to mount the big ol' 1K 5W resistor an inch from the board (and everything else). It gets hot!!!

Mike, I like the idea of the stand by switch and the built in fuse holder.I have boxes and bags full of resistor, and other part left in the attic by the guy who sold me my house. Plenty of stuff to practice on.I should go thru it all too see what I have. He had them in vaccum tube boxes so when I first saw it I thought I hit the jackpot.

Anyway I will order the parts this weekend.

I looked at the board last night and I have some question but I will ask them as time goes on.

Here is a picture of my builds. I soldered the 150 ohm 5W resistor and one of the 10K ohm 5W resistors to the tube side of the board, as it got crowded on the component side. I plan on replacing the big black 1K 6W resistor, as I failed to allow for the 1 inch clearance. This is the Rev 9 2011 board...yours should have the correct wiring colors and the 100 ohm virtual tap for the brown heater wires.

Mike, I like that case you are using. Where did you get that?Are you making two of them? I see you are mounting the RCA and Speaker terninals on the case.I was thinking of doing the same thing.The parts were ordered today so now I have to wait for them to arrive.

Yep, two amps. I was going to wire them both mono, but now I'm not sure. I got them from Keith (Ebay member po1019). They were already made, and I took a chance that I could fit everything. It's tight, but I think they will work. He does great work, and will build any size you need. Here is a link to his products.

The inside dimensions of the matching pair I bought were ~ 8.25 W, 8 D, and 2.25 H. The board (I think) is 6 x 6. Very tight (hope I can pull it off). The one you are looking at is 6.3125" x 7.25" x 2.0625" internally. I think that is way too small.

Are you going to mount a separate pot to the chassis? I cheated. I used the PCB pot, and drilled a hole in the front of the case where it would poke through after mounting the board to the top of the case...about 1/4" from the front. This was easier for me (I'm still new at this as well), and gave me 2 inches on one side and the back.

The transformers on top are a little tight as well (I'll try to get more pictures tonite). I know a lot a others have mounted the OT's in the case. Again...I hope my idea works!

Anyway, if I were to do this again for a single stereo amp, I'd add 1 to 2 inches in width, and 1 inch in depth. The 2.25 H is okay...2.5 would be a little better. Again, an external pot might change things a little??? I'd order a custom one from Keith. He needs the INTERNAL dimensions, and you could select the wood that you like. Again, he is wonderful to work with, and they usually take about a week to build.

Give it some thought while you are building the board. Did you order Edcor transformers? Mine took a full six weeks to arrive, so you have plenty of time to think about it.

Mike, I ordered the transformers yesterday. I know 6 weeks is a long time.Two of the parts from Mouser are not in stock so I will have to wait on that also. The case I will wait on untill I layout the parts. A 1-2 week leadtime is not bad. I made a case for my subwoofer plate amp and I might follow that design concept. Keep us posted on your progressJohn

Sounds good. I noticed that the new 100 ohm resistors for the virtual CT for the heater wires were not in the parts list (at least I didn't see them). If you need a couple, I bought 10 (since they were cheap, but shipping isn't). I'd be happy to mail you a couple if that helps.

Your right they are not on the list or is it shown on the schematic.I also noticed a part# that is not correct for on set of resistors. You can send me the resitor if its not that much of a problem.I can send you a PM with my address.I am going to add two sets of inputs to my amp for some added flexability. I did order the RCA phono connected listed just incase I change my mind.Did you add the 3-way power switch to keep the heaters on?

Good thing I bought extras! PM me, I'd be happy to send you a couple. Received the switches yesterday. DMM shows they should work...will rig up a test to be sure before I stuff everything onto the case.

BTW...here's the top view of the chassis. Drilled a few more holes today, but taking it slow. Notice the hole under the PS transformer? That's what happens when I get tired. Good thing the transformer covers it up when I remove the spacers.